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Running with Moe

Over 1,000 runners run in Jingle Bell 5k

This past Saturday the Sights and Sounds Jingle Bell 5K was held and over 1,000 runners showed up to run the streets of San Marcos. Hats off to the organizers as coordinating all the necessary things that need to be done is a tough task. The key to having a successful race is having enough volunteers to help out with the numerous duties that go into a big race. The race started at 9:00 a.m. but volunteers were showing up between 6:30a.m. to7:00 a.m. David Alexander and I were in charge of setting up the course. This is putting out the mile markers and water station tables and coolers. During the race we were stationed at an intersection to direct the runners to make a sharp turn to the left.

The intersection duty is about the only chance we get to see any part of the race. Setting up the course and checking on volunteers at other intersections prohibits us from seeing the starting gun go off. We were about ¾’s of a mile from the start so the mass of the runners was still relatively close together. It was a fun time as many of the runners were well known and we got hi-fives and hugs from them as they passed us. A good number of runners gave us a, “Thank you for being out here”, greeting for being a volunteer. It makes the time and work worthwhile when you feel appreciated.

After the last runner has passed the intersection our job is then to be the trail vehicle and pick up the mile markers, water station tables, cups on the street, and coolers. Picking up cups seem like a minor task but if the water station is in front of a yard, that neighbor does not appreciate the cup litter left over from the race. Being a trail vehicle is probably one of the least glamorous jobs for a volunteer. You do not arrive back to see any runners finish the race. You miss all of the awards ceremony and most of the other volunteers have already gone home. If you get frustrated in slow traffic you do not want to be a trail vehicle person. With the last walker in a race the pace is about three miles per hour. I have been the trail vehicle in most races and it always takes about an hour or more for that last walker to cross the finish line. I can’t remember when the last time I saw a runner cross the finish line. I have to amend that statement as a few races I am the lead bike and see the first couple of runners finish and then jump in my truck and head out to follow the last walker in.

For this race David and I followed the last walker in. As the walker passed the water station we got out and emptied left over water and picked up stray cups that runners had left. The water station volunteers helped out with this task. Load the tables and coolers in the bed of the truck and catch up with that trailing walker. Grab a mile marker as you pass by and throw it in the bed of the truck. We took a short cut up to the next water station and were able to cheer the runners in the back of the pack and encourage them. A number of the entrants had on some great costumes for the festivities. A few comments from us to let them know we appreciated the effort they went through to dress for the occasion. Then, onto the second water station to once again empty out the left-over water, pick up cups, and fold tables, and load it all into the bed of the truck. I usually tell the volunteer workers at the water station that we can’t waste the water and that they have to drink the water from the remaining 50 cups on the table. It takes them about 10 seconds to realize I am just joking with them. But, when you drive three miles an hour for an hour you need something to lighten the task.

The problem this time was that the last walker was far behind and for the last mile the direction people and traffic control monitors had already left. We followed the last walker and at busy intersections I jumped out of the truck and guided the runner through so any car that might be in a hurry would let us pass. The drivers were very accommodating and let us through, or drove around us slowly, and did not seem bothered.

The next part of being a trail vehicle is where will we unload the stuff in the bed of the truck? We can’t get close to the finish area because of fencing, closed construction streets and no real place to park near the finish area. Another jumps out of the truck and look for race organizers that have answers to this problem. Fortunately, a few volunteers were still around and followed me back to the truck, unloaded the coolers, and returned them to the right people.

This is just one example of how important volunteers are to a successful race. The volunteers were enthusiastic, on time, in the right place, and made the race a good race to enter. The traffic control officers were at busy intersections and were appreciated by the runners for keeping them safe. It may seem like a small task to be a direction person, or a water station person, or help with registration, or guide runners after crossing the finish line, but from experience over the years it is usually one of these seemingly unimportant tasks in a race that can make or break a race from being successful.

So, whether you are the lead vehicle, the trail vehicle, or a person somewhere along the course, know that your services are very much appreciated and important to the race and a hearty “Thank You” for your time and effort in helping out last Saturday.

Dripping Springs Century-News

P.O. Box 732
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620

Phone: (512) 858-4163
Fax: (512) 847-9054